Rock music - powerful, sensual, loud and full of energy. It has changed the face of modern music. But what is its fascination for, and its significance in contemporary society and what cultural values does it reflect? Peter Wicke addresses these issues in a stimulating and penetrating study of rock music tracing the genesis and influence of this diverse strand of popular music. Beginning with the advent of rock 'n' roll, Wicke chronicles the development through Elvis Presley and the Beatles to the current music industry, its performers, and the impact of the music video. The book will appeal to readers with an interest in music history, popular culture, and media studies.

"...this is one of the most interesting, stimulating, and rich analyses of rock culture that has yet been produced. And it is required reading for any future attempt to continue Wicke's project of finding a way to write rock's own history." World Beat: An International Journal of Popular Music

"...intelligent and intelligently written, interesting and accessible without oversimplifying rock's very real mysteries and complexities. It is a remarkable and unique achievement." John Shepard, Queen's Quarterly